bloc° – a modular cooling system for Public Spaces

What it does

bloc° cools down overheated urban spaces by up to 9°C using evaporative cooling through terracotta and solar energy. Made for public areas, it addresses the growing problem of urban heat islands and makes cities more livable during extreme heat events.

Your inspiration

bloc° is inspired by traditional knowledge, natural systems, and urban objects. We studied passive cooling methods like badgirs, terracotta jars, and termite mounds—structures that regulate temperature and airflow without complex tech. These biomimetic systems demonstrate how design can work with nature to cool air through evaporation and self-shading. We also examined infrastructure such as lampposts, benches, and planters to ensure bloc° feels familiar and blends naturally into cityscapes. The result is a technically effective, visually fitting, and socially inclusive system that addresses the climate crisis while respecting urban needs.

How it works

bloc° is a modular, low-tech cooling system designed to improve comfort in overheated urban environments. Made from 3D-printed terracotta, each unit uses evaporative cooling and solar-powered airflow to reduce local air temperatures by up to 9°C on hot days. The porous ceramic bricks absorb water, which evaporates as warm air is drawn through the system by solar-powered fans. On days above 30°C, bloc° consumes approx. 56 liters of water, which can be supplied via municipal infrastructure or through integrated rainwater harvesting. Its funnel-shaped roof collects an average of 24 liters of rainwater per day. A solar panel generates around 200 watt-hours daily—enough to power the fan and water pump for autonomous operation. bloc° is scalable, mobile, and energy-efficient, making it ideal for use in public spaces such as transit stops, plazas, or schoolyards. By combining natural materials with smart design, it offers a response to the challenges of urban heat.

Design process

During the development of bloc°, we combined digital and physical experimentation to refine both form and function. Using VR headsets, we worked extensively in a 1:1 scale digital environment, allowing us to understand spatial proportions and how bloc° would perform in real urban contexts. This immersive method helped us tailor the design to fit seamlessly into public spaces. Inspired by the self-shading geometry of cacti, we adapted the form of the prototypes to reduce direct sun exposure and optimize cooling efficiency. In parallel, we carried out multiple material tests to identify the best-performing clay type. Through testing various ceramic compositions, we discovered that single-fired terracotta offered the ideal balance—remaining porous enough for effective evaporative cooling while still being structurally stable. We iterated through many prototype bricks, examining water absorption rates, durability, and airflow behavior. These combined digital and hands-on experiments ensured that bloc° is not only technically effective and sustainable but also adaptable to the urban environment it is designed for.

How it is different

bloc° is unique not only because it combines traditional passive cooling with modern design but also due to its innovative water storage capacity within each individual brick. This overcomes the limitations of capillary action found in other systems, making bloc° truly modular and allowing it to grow freely in height and width. Active airflow, generated by solar-powered fans and water pumps, enhances evaporation and cooling even in climates like Central Europe, where humidity levels are higher. This blend of passive and active elements, powered sustainably, sets bloc° apart from other cooling solutions and makes it adaptable to diverse urban environments.

Future plans

Our next steps include field testing a full-scale 1:1 prototype of bloc° in real urban environments to assess its long-term performance, especially in humid climates. We will use feedback and data to refine the modular design for better cooling efficiency and easier installation. Beyond outdoor use, we plan to explore new applications, such as integrating bloc° as a facade element or adapting it for cooling large indoor spaces like industrial halls. By expanding its versatility, we aim to scale up bloc° as a sustainable cooling solution for diverse environments worldwide.

Awards

Punch Prize 2025 – Nominee (ZHdK)